Sir Keir Starmer Promises ‘Golden Era of Building’ with Focus on Environmental Regulations
Sir Keir Starmer, the prime minister, has pledged to usher in a new “golden era of building” in the UK. He is targeting “blockers and bureaucrats” who he claims have hindered economic growth and made homeownership unattainable. Starmer has directed ministers to draft laws simplifying complex environmental regulations, which he argues can add millions to development costs and cause lengthy delays.
Proposed Reforms to Environmental Regulations
The proposed reforms aim to eliminate the current “case-by-case negotiations” required under EU habitat regulations. This would allow developers to fund broader environmental improvements to offset environmental damage, avoiding prolonged negotiations over individual projects. Starmer highlighted the absurdity of projects like the HS2 having to spend £100 million on a bat tunnel.
Ministers are considering designating specific areas as key infrastructure sites to expedite project approvals, streamlining the process and avoiding lengthy procedures currently in place. These changes are part of Starmer’s plan to focus on health, housebuilding, education, the economy, crime, and achieving net zero emissions.
Criticism and Response
However, Starmer has faced criticism for not setting specific targets on clean energy and migration reduction. Despite this, his economic strategy includes building 1.5 million homes by 2030 and fast-tracking planning decisions on major infrastructure projects. He aims to confront opponents of development, advocating for progress amidst rising homelessness and falling homeownership.
Starmer acknowledged that his planning reforms would face resistance but welcomed the challenge. He emphasized the need for more efficient processes in infrastructure projects, aiming to double project approvals compared to the previous government. Starmer’s vision is to confront obstacles to progress and deliver real change in the UK.
Impact of Reforms
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has already approved a multimillion pound plan by Marks and Spencer to redevelop its flagship Oxford Street store, a project previously blocked. Stuart Machin, M&S’s chief executive, expressed satisfaction with the decision but criticized the delays under the previous government. Starmer’s focus on environmental regulations and infrastructure development signals a shift towards sustainable growth in the UK.